Lisa Newcomb
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Lisa Newcomb has been the Empire State Association’s Executive Director since 1998. In that capacity, she represents the Association and its members by serving as an appointee on the Adult Care Facility/Assisted Living Residence Task Force created as part of the 2004 Assisted Living Reform Act. She also participates in numerous other Department of Health workgroups and committees designed to address assisted living and home care topics. Before becoming the Executive Director, Newcomb served as the Association’s director of member services, growing the size of the Association by enhancing membership value through personalized customer service and the development of high quality and cost saving member programs.

Linda Yakatan
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Linda S. Yakatan, CMP, joined ESAAL in June of 2010 and is responsible for the planning of all Association meetings, including the coordination and implementation of ESAAL’s annual conference and trade show. Before a move to Florida, Linda was the Director of Meetings and Convention for the New York State Nurses Association for ten years, and while there earned the designation as a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP). In addition to association work, she also has a strong background in special events and promotions.

Carla Erhartic
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Carla Erhartic began working at ESAAL in August 2008 following many distinguished years in senior care that took her from the Midwest to the Capital Region. She served as administrator of St. Joseph’s Villa Adult Home in Catskill and Fountain View Adult Home in Guilderland. Carla also worked as the Community Business Director for Atria Guilderland. Her career has included a position as Director of Carelinks Care-giving Program, sponsored by the Shenendehowa Senior Center in Clifton Park, and some time with The Eddy. In her position at ESAAL, Carla brings her valuable assisted living experience to develop policy and enhance the organization’s direct member services.

Andrea Cirabisi
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Andrea Cirabisi started with ESAAL in March 2009 first as administrative associate and currently serves as Office Manager. She is responsible for the bookkeeping functions, billing, database management, personnel and website postings. In addition to these duties, Andrea assists with membership services processes, Member Alerts and Conference and Regional Meeting registration. Prior to joining ESAAL, Andrea worked as a reimbursement specialist for a large Capital District physical therapy office and in the real estate industry, serving as office manager for a real estate investor. She trained as a loan officer and subsequently opened her own business as a Mortgage Broker.